2. Wash your face gently twice daily with a mild cleanser. Do not wash or scrub the face vigorously, this can irritate the skin and make acne worse.

3. Avoid things or situations that can aggravate acne. Keep your hands and hair away from the face; limit oily products; irritating clothing or sporting equipment; wash your hands frequently to limit the possible spreading of bacteria to your face.

4. Use acne products for a specific length of time to give them enough time to do their job. Ask a professional such as a dermatologist or pharmacist for more information about how long certain products need to be used before acne begins to clear up.

5. The skin can increase in sensitivity especially with sunlight and ultraviolet light from tanning booths when using certain acne products. Be sun safe and use protective clothing and sunscreen.

If you have any concerns about the acne products you choose then consult a dermatologist or pharmacist for more information.

What to look for in an acne treatment

* Designed for all skin types. You want a cleanser that is gentle. Traditionally the target market is for teenagers and many of the acne treatments may be too harsh for adult skin.

* Contains acne-fighting ingredients as well as anti-aging ingredients. Inflammation of the skin triggers free-radical damage. This causes the skin to look dull, not clear and can cause premature lines and wrinkling. Finding an acne treatment that will infuse your skin with powerful antioxidants that will help prevent free-radical damage is beneficial.

* Reduces acne scarring. Scarring is caused by the skin not healing properly and the collagen that supports the skin is misshapen and twisted. Alpha lipoic acid is important to find in a product as it helps to re-form the collagen to its correct structure thereby reducing the appearance of the scar.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments are used when acne is mild to moderate and there is no inflammation present.

A few of the common topical treatments are tretinoin (topical retinoid-Vitamin A creams), topical antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide.

Tretinoins are effective in keeping pores clear of oil and dead skin cells. They also break down existing acne or blocked pores. It is beneficial for oily skin types, however, it can cause excessive drying and flaking of the skin.

Topical antibiotics will reduce any bacteria found on the skin and in the hair follicle. They work at preventing new acne from forming and not by breaking down existing acne. Unfortunately, these topical antibiotics do not have an effect on blackheads.

Benzoyl peroxide is a well known and common treatment for acne. It works by drying the area it is applied to. It can be in the form of a lotion or an ingredient in a facial wash.

Oral Treatments

Some acne sufferers will want to try oral treatments if and when topical treatments do not seem to work.

The most common oral antibiotics are tetracycline, erythromycin and minocycline which can only be prescribed by a doctor. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed when the acne is moderate to severe. They work by attacking and killing the bacteria that causes the pimple or whitehead. Topical treatments are usually used in conjunction with the oral antibiotics to enhance the desired effect of controlling the acne.

Another oral treatment that is used primarily for women is hormonal therapy in the form of oral contraceptives. They work to control some women's acne by reducing excessive amounts of androgens. An excess of sebaceous excretions is caused by an increase of androgens in the female body.

People with severe acne sometimes use isotretinoin (accutane) as a way to control their acne. It should not be taken by women of child-bearing age as it can cause fetal abnormalities.

Alternative Treatments

Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy - This may be useful in accelerating the resolution of acne cysts. It will also assist with superficial cellular exfoliation.

Light Chemical Peels - Assist by causing varying degrees of cellular exfoliation. Skin is rejuvenated after a peel is complete. A dermatologist will use glycolic acid and other chemical agents to loosen blackheads and decrease acne papules.

Drainage or Aspiration of Cysts - A dermatologist will puncture the cyst by using a fine needle. The contents are then aspirated or sucked out. This method may cause scarring.

Tanning Lights or Tanning Beds - May cause superficial exfoliation. Skin tanning may mask acne instead of acting as a treatment for it.

Laser Resurfacing - Is used to cause massive exfoliation of the skin right down to the dermal layer. The result can even produce the rejuvenation of skin cells.